§ Mr. BattleTo ask the President of the Board of Trade how many times and upon what subjects he has asked KPMG to undertake a study for his Department since 1 January 1995. [18816]
Mr. John M. TaylorMy Department has let four contracts centrally with KPMG for external consultancy since 1 January 1995. The subjects of these studies were:
- Study into the North American service sector;
- Study of outward investment;
- Post Office performance review—operational efficiency;
- National Grid Flotation—Share option and dividend issues.
In addition, one contract, for a job evaluation exercise, was let by the former executive agency, the National Engineering Laboratory.
I have asked the chief executives of the existing agencies to reply separately.
Letter from Adrian Wilson to Mr. John Battle, dated 8 March 1996:
The President of the Board of Trade has asked me to reply to your Parliamentary Question: 95/1413 with regard to how many times and upon what subjects KPMG have been asked to undertake a study for the Department of Trade and Industry since 1 January 1995.
We have one such contract with KPMG, in respect of Human Resources Computer System.
Letter from David Durham to Mr. John Battle, dated 6 March 1996:
You recently asked the President of the Board of Trade about the frequency and subjects of study undertaken by KPMG for his Department. I have been asked to reply in respect of Companies House Executive Agency.
KPMG have not undertaken any studies for this Agency since 1 January 1995.
Letter from Peter Joyce to Mr. John Battle, dated 8 March 1996:
The President of the Board of Trade has asked me to reply to your question about the use of KPMG to undertake studies for The Insolvency Service since 1 January 1995.
386WI confirm that KPMG have not been asked to undertake any study for The Service since that date.
Letter from P. R. S. Hartnack to Mr. John Battle, dated 8 March 1996:
The President of the Board of Trade has asked me to reply for the Patent Office to your question about how many times, and upon what subjects KPMG has been asked to undertake a study since January 1 1995. The Patent Office had no such dealings with KPMG in that period.
Letter from Seton Bennett to Mr. John Battle, dated 8 March 1996:
The President of the Board of Trade has asked me to reply on behalf of the National Weights and Measures Laboratory to your question about studies undertaken by KPMG.
KPMG have undertaken no study for this Agency in the period since 1 January 1995.
Letter from Jim Norton to Mr. John Battle, dated 8 March 1996:
The President of the Board of Trade has asked me to reply to your Parliamentary Question about KPMG. I can confirm that the Radiocommunications Agency have not asked KPMG to undertake any studies since 1 January 1995.